Noemi’s voice crept into my mind, chillingly clear as if she’d materialized before me. I jolted awake, groaning softly when I saw the clock read five a. m. Three hours of sleep, yet I felt strung out and jittery, like I’d downed a shot of caffeine. Slipping carefully from Leonardo’s solid embrace, I perched on the edge of the bed, letting my breathing steady. I watched him sleep, counting each soft rise and fall of his chest.
My fingers twitched as I recalled the image of him – blank, his usual warmth drained, like a flame extinguished and replaced by something soulless. I forced myself to push it aside; sleep was what I needed. A few hours of peace might offer me a fresh perspective on the nightmare.
As I edged closer to Leonardo, my fingers found their way to his jaw. I let myself savor the moment, needing the reassurance of his presence. His skin was smooth except for the hint of stubble. When I was certain he wouldn’t stir, I traced his cheek, my gaze settling on his elven, pointed ears. They fascinated me more than my own. I trailed my finger along the curve, stopping just shy of the point.
The next thing I knew, Leonardo had flipped me onto my back, his chest pressing against mine as his hair brushed against my forehead. He looked down, eyes heavy-lidded, with a trace of playful mischief.
“That tickles, kitten,” he murmured, rubbing his stubbled jaw against my cheek. His head nestled in the crook of my neck, and he mumbled, “Why are you up? You haven’t slept much as it is.”
“Bad dreams,” I admitted, shivering slightly as his breath grazed my skin. “I can’t seem to calm down enough to sleep.”
That caught his interest, and he lifted his head, lips curving into a smirk. “I can help you relax, if you’ll let me,” he murmured, his fingers drifting to brush near the edge of my hip.
My breath caught, and without hesitation, I nodded.
“I want to hear you say it,” he whispered, his hand now resting on my hip. “Can I take care of you, kitten?”
“Yes,” I managed to whisper, my eyes closing as his chest rumbled approvingly.
Leonardo’s touch was slow and deliberate, his fingers tracing my skin in a way that made every nerve come alive. My body was wholly attuned to his, desperate and trembling. He looked at me with such awe, as though he’d never seen anything as precious. I was mesmerized by that gaze, held captive by his absolute adoration.
“I’ve dreamed about this moment for so long,” he confessed, his eyes catching mine. “When I finally make you mine, I’m going to savor every second. Tonight, you’re going to let me take my time.”
I barely had a chance to respond before he eased the silk of my gown up around my waist. The way his eyes lingered, filled with reverence, made my heart race. He began to explain, his words soft and intimate. “Maybe it was when you started using my shampoo, smelling like me. I’d never wanted anyone more. Or maybe when you punched me in the face.”
Each slow caress of his fingers was intentional, teasing, and unhurried. My heart pounded as his hand traced my thigh, his gaze intense and adoring. I realized, with a rush of certainty, that Leonardo was mine in every possible way.
As he murmured endearments and praise, I felt myself unravel completely, every nerve on fire. My body responded to him instinctively, moving with his guidance. The ache built slowly, crescendoing as his words echoed in my ear, telling me how beautiful I was, how much he adored me.
When I finally opened my eyes, catching my breath, I noticed Leonardo watching me with a satisfied grin. His own breathing was labored, matching mine. Glancing at the fabric of his pants, I felt a flicker of surprise.
“Is that…?” I couldn’t find the words.
His smirk was tinged with a rare hint of embarrassment, and a faint flush colored his cheeks. “I guess there’s a first time for everything,” he muttered, glancing at the damp patch on his pants. “This… has never happened before.”